Mississippi State running back Josh Robinson (13) runs up field for a short gain against UAB in the first half of an NCAA college football game at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. Mississippi State won 47-34. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

In the spotlight: Mississippi State’s Josh Robinson

Mississippi State running back Josh Robinson (13) runs up field for a short gain against UAB in the first half of an NCAA college football game at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. Mississippi State won 47-34. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Why he’s good

Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott gets all the attention, but junior running back Josh Robinson is quietly having a solid season for the Bulldogs. Robinson has rushed 46 times for 288 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 96 yards per game. In MSU’s one road game — last week at South Alabama — he finished with 12 carries for 77 yards and two scores. More importantly, Robinson has been a big-play threat who will give LSU’s linebackers their first test since they squared off against Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon in Houston.

Biggest obstacle

Robinson this season has yet to face a squad that even slightly resembles an SEC defense. LSU’s rushing defense ranks fifth in the SEC, allowing 111.3 rushing yards per game. Expect Robinson’s 6.2 yards per attempt to take a hit this weekend.

He said it

“I’ve got something for you.”

— Robinson two weeks ago, in reference to LSU. The (Jackson, Mississippi) Clarion-Ledger reported that State denied all media requests for Robinson this week.

Number to know

In last year’s matchup in Starkville, Robinson had six carries for 40 yards.

******

Say what?

“You know what’s interesting? I worked for him and recognized his strengths. I was fortunate for him, for me that he would make a mistake and hire this guy from Oklahoma, and I can tell you that I owe him a phone call.”

— Les Miles on Skip Bertman

By the numbers

7 -- Touchdowns scored by LSU true freshmen this season.

17 -- True freshmen who have played this season, the most for any class since Les Miles arrived in 2005.

16 -- Career catches Travin Dural has for either a touchdown or a first down. He has 19 career receptions at LSU.